Pocket Media Productions has unveiled its latest romantic drama, “Meg & Ryan,” starring Rhian Ramos as Meg Zamonte and JC Santos as Ryan Cañete.
The film, directed by Catherine Camarillo, DGPI, is set for nationwide theatrical release on August 6.
At the press conference last week, Direk Cathy explained the origin of the film’s title, which is similar to the name of Hollywood rom-com icon Meg Ryan.
“’Meg and Ryan’ is a creation of Gina Marisa Tagasa,” Direk Cathy said. “So si Manay Gina, isa siyang fan of Meg Ryan. You know naman, Meg Ryan is the queen of rom-com in the ‘80s, ‘di ba? When we were doing the collaboration, hindi talaga ‘Meg & Ryan’ title, but as we went along, ang ganda nung characterization na nabuo, and nagmarka sa amin ‘yung character ni Meg and Ryan. So si Manay, ang instinct niya was, ‘Can we use ‘Meg & Ryan’?’ So I gave the green light. Maganda naman.”
The film marks the first time Rhian and JC are working together on screen. Both actors heap praises on each other’s professionalism and openness.
“I really enjoyed the whole experience,” Rhian said. “Sobra talagang totoo ‘yung sinabi kanina ni Tita Ces [Quesada] na napaka-generous niya as an actor. If there is anything that he can do to help you in the scene, he will. Hindi lang ‘yung acting part ‘yung gagawin niya. Kung pwede siyang mag-contribute doon sa lines, pwede din. Talagang ini-invite niya, ‘What would Ryan do? What would Ryan say?’ That really helped me. It made my job super easy.”
JC, who has long admired Rhian’s work, called the opportunity to star with her a “bucket list” moment.
“Until now I’m still honored,” he said. “Nakikita ko kung paano siya magtrabaho and I enjoyed every moment of it. Nakita ko ‘yung dedication, kung paano niya ibigay ‘yung truth nung scene. Para sa akin, super sulit ‘yun.”
He also praised the creative environment fostered by Direk Cathy.
“Binigyan kami ng creative freedom ni Direk para sa mga roles gamin.”
Direk Cathy became emotional during the press con as she reflected on the journey of the film, which was finished more than a year ago.
“Sobra akong na-overwhelm. Ang ganda nila together.
First time akong gumawa ng love story. Sobra akong nag enjoy sa set. Hindi ako nahirapan. Ang gagaling ng mga artista ko. Binigay nilang lahat ng gusto ko makita sa vision ko.
“For a time nag stop sya, hindi ko alam paano sya i-launch uli. May particular song akong gusto makuha [‘Torete’]. It’s a struggle for me… as a filmmaker, you want your masterpiece na kumpleto gusto mo makita sa pelikula and it happened here. Ang rami kong pelikula na compromises. … But this particular film, I gave it all. Naghintay ako. Kinuha ko ‘yung gusto kong makita. And now, nakikita ko siya … I’m just so happy,” she said. “Kahit dito lang sa pelikulang ito nagawa. And after seeing the support of my cast — hindi ninyo matatawaran ‘yung experience ko kung paano nila nirespeto ang materyal, kung paano nila ako nire-respeto bilang direktor, kung paano nila binigay ‘yung 100% nila na minahal ang pelikula. Tapos nung huminto, tumagal na launch, akala ko hindi sila makikita, pero andito sila ngayon”
Joining Rhian and JC are Cedrick Juan, Ces Quesada, Cris Villanueva and Jef Gaitan, with the film introducing J-mee Katanyag, Poca Osinaga, Steven Bansil and Alison Black.
“Meg & Ryan” opens in cinemas nationwide starting August 6.
